-- Brandon Belt was quick to send a congratulatory message to old friend Eric Surkamp, a left-handed pitcher who'll be promoted from Double-A Richmond and start tonight for the Giants, his major-league debut.

"He's got a fierce demeanor," Belt said when asked about Surkamp's mound presence. "He goes right after you. Average to above-average fastball, but his best pitch is his curveball. That's what he gets a lot of strikeouts with. That thing is nasty. It doesn't matter what level he's playing on. He's going to get a lot of people out with that curveball."

Belt was Surkamp's teammate last year at Class A San Jose. This year as a Richmond Flying Squirrel, Surkamp is 10-4 with a 2.02 ERA, 165 strikeouts and 44 walks. His latest start (in which he surrendered two hits over eight scoreless innings) was witnessed by Dick Tidrow, vice president of player personnel.

Surkamp is taking the rotation spot of Jonathan Sanchez. Dan Runzlergot one crack at the gig but lasted 1 2/3 innings, so the Giants chose Surkamp, their best pitching prospect now that Zack Wheeler is in the Mets' organization.

"We're in this thing," said manager Bruce Bochy, who insisted this isn't a tryout for 2012 but a need for 2011. "Our situation with Jonny being hurt and Runzler's struggles, we needed a guy, and we think he's our best option."

Briefly: Heath Bellremains a Padre. The deadline for the Giants to work out a deal after claiming Bell off waivers passed on Friday. It was believed the claim was made to block other contenders from acquiring the closer. ... According to the Dayton Daily News, Reds catcher Ramon Hernandezwas claimed off waivers, and Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker guessed it was by the Giants. ... The Giants plan to activate Sergio Romoand Andres Torreson Sunday. Romo threw 20 pitches (including several sliders) in Arizona against a group of Diamondbacks' rookie-leaguers, and Torres resumed his rehab with Triple-A Fresno. ... Closer Brian Wilsonthrew on flat ground for a second straight day but isn't close to returning to the active roster.

Giants on deck

Leading off

Say "squeeze": Hours before the game, the Giants took their annual team picture. Clubhouse man Mike Murphy posed for the 54th time. Several injured players were no-shows, but the Giants have plenty of Photoshop experience from the Barry Bonds years.